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A new study led by the CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology in Portugal presents exciting findings on the potential health benefits of moderate coffee consumption. Researchers suggest that drinking three cups of coffee a day could not only extend your lifespan but also improve the quality of those extra years by reducing the risk of major age-related diseases.
The research, published in Ageing Research Reviews, analyzes over 50 epidemiological studies across different regions and ethnicities, combining data from nearly 3 million individuals. The results reveal that regular, moderate coffee consumption correlates with a 17% reduction in all-cause mortality, fewer age-related diseases, and an extension of healthy life by about 1.8 years.
“Coffee has long been viewed with some skepticism, but our findings suggest it may play a significant role in enhancing both longevity and healthspan,” said Cátia R. Lopes, one of the lead authors of the study. Regular coffee drinkers showed reduced rates of functional decline, mitigating issues like memory loss, mood swings, and physical deterioration. Additionally, coffee was linked to a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, cancer, and respiratory diseases.
The study also highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of coffee’s primary components, such as caffeine and chlorogenic acids, but cautions that coffee is a complex mixture of thousands of potentially bioactive substances. While these components are well-understood in terms of their effects on alertness and inflammation, their exact role in aging processes is still being explored.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the study is the redefinition of caffeine. Traditionally known as a stimulant, researchers suggest that caffeine may act as a “normalizer,” stabilizing physiological systems and promoting overall health rather than simply energizing the body.
The research was funded by a coalition of coffee industry giants including illycaffè, JDE Peet’s, Lavazza, Nestlé, Paulig, and Tchibo through their non-profit organization, the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC). While ISIC emphasizes scientific rigor and partners with reputable academic institutions, the study’s industry-backed funding has raised questions about potential biases in the findings.
Despite these concerns, the sheer scale of the study lends considerable weight to the results, with nearly 3 million participants providing a robust dataset for analysis. However, some experts caution that factors such as social and economic status may also contribute to the observed health benefits of coffee, as wealthier individuals may have better access to healthcare and healthier lifestyles.
The study is likely to stir up a debate among coffee enthusiasts, who can take comfort in knowing that their beloved beverage may indeed be contributing to their health and longevity. While moderate coffee consumption has already been linked to various benefits, this large-scale review brings fresh insight into how coffee might enhance our golden years.
For those wondering about the next cup of coffee, the findings suggest that three daily cups may be just the right amount to boost both lifespan and quality of life.
Source: Cátia R. Lopes et al., “Impact of coffee intake on human aging: Epidemiology and cellular mechanisms,” Ageing Research Reviews (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102581
